Expert thought

In view of the restrictive 2018 Luhansk People’s Republic statute, it is not surprising that some groups declined to apply for registration, while others were refused. The result is that many religious communities find themselves outside the law…. the 48 Baptist Union congregations have had to cease their activity altogether.

Religious Studies

In the context of recent events in the Orthodox world, disputes over the boundaries of church institutions often arise between the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Kyiv and Moscow. Ukraine accuses Russia of misappropriating the territory of the Kyiv Metropolis. In its turn, Moscow appeals to the fact that the ancient Kyiv Metropolis differs from the territory of modern Ukraine. RISU decided to clarify this topic, getting advice from historians. Based on this research, we prepared an infographic.

The first question that arises concerning Ukraine is this: with what right and based on which holy canons, does Russia today claim the ecclesiastical and administrative dependency of the Metropolis of Kyiv?

Ukrainian Tomos signed by all members of Holy Synod of Ecumenical Patriarchate

On January 9, in Istanbul, members of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate signed the Tomos of autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church.

This is reported by a TSN journalist who provided exclusive photos from the signing ceremony.

From now on, the document is finalized. Within a few days it will return to Ukraine.

On January 6, in the church of St. George at Phanar, the Ecumenical Patriarch solemnly handed over the Tomos to the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Epifaniy. On the same day, the document was brought to Kyiv. On January 7, the Tomos was brought to the Church of St. Sophia.

Yesterday, a document about the independence of the Ukrainian Church was taken to Phanar to be signed by all members of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.